Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) leader Rohit Pawar on Saturday raised fresh questions over the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He alleged that the incident could involve either a political or commercial conspiracy and called for a high-level intervention.
His remarks come as the Centre confirmed that a preliminary report on the Learjet 45 crash in Baramati will be released by February 27, in line with international norms. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe.
Rohit Pawar alleges possible conspiracy
Speaking in Delhi, Rohit Pawar said there could be “two types of conspiracies — political and commercial,” and asked which one applied in this case.
He questioned whether powerful individuals were protecting VSR Ventures, the company that operated the aircraft. “So many powerful people are behind this company. DGCA officials are behind it,” he said.
He added that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah could ensure justice, given the stature of those involved. He said he would send an email to the Prime Minister seeking personal intervention.
The NCP-SCP leader also demanded the resignation of the Civil Aviation Minister.
“I request them to personally address this investigation. I’m going to send a letter addressed to PM Modi via email today… The Aviation Minister must resign. This is our demand.”
Doubts over black box and fire
Rohit Pawar said his party had earlier raised concerns about the aircraft’s black box. He claimed there were “many blasts” at the time of the accident, not just one.
He alleged that VSR Ventures had “mechanical and maintenance issues”. According to him, additional petrol cans were kept in the baggage area and may have contributed to the fire. He said these aspects must be investigated thoroughly.
“…We had expressed doubts about the black box. When the accident happened, there was not just one blast, there were many blasts…VSR, the company that operates the flight, has a lot of issues. They are mechanical, maintenance issues…There is an area where bags are kept, additional petrol cans were kept there, and that’s what caused the fire, so this needs to be investigated…”
What the government has said about the investigation
In a statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the preliminary report into the January 28 crash of the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) at Baramati will be issued within 30 days of the accident, as required under ICAO norms. The final report will follow later.
The AAIB’s investigation is described as technical and evidence-based. Officials are examining wreckage, operational records and maintenance documents. Components are being tested in laboratories where necessary.
The aircraft was fitted with two flight recorders. The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), made by L3 Communications, has been downloaded at the AAIB facility in New Delhi.
The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, was damaged by heat. Technical help has been sought from the country of manufacture under ICAO rules.
Audits of VSR Ventures and other operators
The ministry said the DGCA carried out 51 regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators in 2025. Multiple surveillances of VSR Ventures were also conducted, covering duty time limits, maintenance compliance, flight safety systems, documentation and facilities.
All earlier findings were addressed and closed, the statement said.
After the crash, the DGCA was asked to conduct a special audit of VSR Ventures. The review covers maintenance practices, crew training standards, regulatory compliance, and safety systems. The audit began on February 4 and is expected to conclude soon.
The DGCA has also been directed to audit other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes handling VIP and VVIP flights.
The ministry reiterated that the probe is being conducted strictly under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and ICAO standards. It urged stakeholders to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed.